The Mission San Miguel church building was completed in 1821 and is virtually unchanged since it was built. The wall decorations have had no restoration treatment or modification. They are the originals that were created and painted by Indian artisans under the direction of Esteban Munras.

On December 22, 2003 a 6.5 earthquake struck the Central California Coast. Mission San Miguel, located just 35 miles from the epicenter, was hard hit. After the earthquake all of the Mission's buildings were rendered off-limits to the public. After several million dollars of earthquake repair and retrofitting, several phases of the restoration of the mission have been completed and the old convento, museum, courtyard, church, sacristy, cemetery and retreat wing have reopened to the public. Mass is once again being held in the church, meeting the ministerial needs of the community and beyond.

Phase Four of the restoration is under way. There is still much to do to restore the mission complex in its entirety. "Friends of Mission San Miguel," a non-profit, tax-exempt (501.3c) corporation, raises funds for this purpose.

For more information: http://missionsanmiguel.org/restoration